Disposable combined squeezer/stirrer/dispenser/brewer device

ABSTRACT

A disposable packaging form is provided for brewed, hot drinks. The invention allows a user to brew the hot drink, squeeze out the brewed contents, and stir the contents of the hot drink. Each action can be performed multiple times before disposal. In some embodiments, the device of the present invention dispenses sweeteners, creamers, flavorings and condiments. The present invention frees the user of the inconvenience of having to collect, wash, or dispose of the stirrers, squeezers and bags of the hot drink individually.

This application is a division of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/725,665filed Oct. 5, 2017, which is a division of application Ser. No.13/927,310 filed Jun. 26, 2013 which is a continuation-in-part andclaims the benefit of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/586,316, filed Sep.21, 2009, which is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/131,887,filed May 18, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,591,219, which claimed thebenefit of Provisional Application No. 60/574,231, filed May 26, 2004,all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety asif fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Tea and coffee bags are extensively used for quick brewing of tea andcoffee. Methods exist for making cups of tea, coffee or other beverageswith both disposable and non-disposable devices. Many of the currentdevices are non-disposable, requiring a user to clean and store thembetween uses. These devices are inconvenient for beverages consumedoutside the home. Other existing devices are disposable, but may only beused for one serving of beverage. This is inconvenient for tea, coffeeor other drinks that utilize bags that are usable more than once at asitting. Additionally, for both disposable and non-disposable devices,several independent devices are required to make a cup of a beverage,such as a squeezer, stirrer, dispenser and a brewer. Each deviceoperates independently.

Some examples of current systems include disposable stirrers, disposablecups, and individually wrapped cream and sugar packets. Other devicesare drawstrings incorporated into tea bags for facilitating squeezingafter brewing. Non-disposable brewing bag squeezers are also available.None of these methods provide a simple, all in one device for brewingbeverages.

Needs exist for disposable devices that are reusable for multiple timesin one sitting and allow the user to perform all necessary actions witha single device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a disposable packaging form for brewed, hotdrinks. The invention allows a user to brew the hot drink, squeeze outthe brewed contents, and stir the contents of the hot drink. Each actioncan be performed multiple times before disposal. In some embodiments,the device of the present invention dispenses sweeteners, creamers,flavorings and condiments. The present invention frees the user of theinconvenience of having to collect, wash, or dispose of the stirrers,squeezers and bags of the hot drink individually.

A preferred embodiment is made of a biodegradable material such as plantmaterial in the grass or bamboo category. The biodegradable materialenvelops beverage brewing components in a porous structure encircling arigid rod. The rigid rod is manually or mechanically manipulated tofacilitate squeezing as well as relaxation of squeezing. In general, adevice may be compressed by being pushed downward, pulled upward ortwisted. The rigid rod also facilitates stifling and may be hollowand/or partially porous. Sweeteners, creamers or condiments may bestored in the hollow and partially porous rigid rod. These sweeteners,creamers or condiments may be blown out of the rigid rod by a user ormay seep through the rigid rod by osmosis. Sweeteners, creamers and/orcondiments may be dispensed in other locations within or on theinvention besides the rigid rod. The rigid rod may operate like asyringe to control release of substances.

The device of the present invention may be enclosed in a package thatopens and unfolds in a manner that provides a stand or holder forcontaining the device for reuse or simply to prevent messes prior todisposal. Part of the package may unfold into a cup. This embodimentonly requires the user to obtain hot water. Or, the user may heat waterwithin the cup. These features would be useful for a variety ofapplications, including military applications. It would providesanitary, convenient and biodegradable disposable devices for use in thefield with less environmental impact than non-biodegradable materialswith more components.

Other embodiments are possible. A solid piece of plastic with pores forforming a porous film of plastic material with ribbing may be providedaround a stirring rod. The ribbing adds structure and control. Thedevice is capped with ribbed and thickened cup-like portions that fanout, contract and have some rigidity during use. The cup-like portionshave central holes for placement of the stirring rod. The top cup-likeportion is not porous. The bottom cup-like portion has larger holes thanthe holes on the porous film. The porous film holds tea leaves or coffeegrounds and keeps dust inside the porous film. Water is allowed topenetrate and flow through the porous film.

The stirring rod may be a hollow shaft that may contain creamer,sweetener, or other flavorings. A small rod is located inside the hollowshaft. Projections from the small rod depress a spring when they arepressed downward. The spring pushes up on and pulls a disc structureupward to close an opening. The disc structure may have a weightedprotrusion for adding weight to the overall device to keep the buoyantbag from floating. The opening allows contents of the hollow shaft todispense when the small rod is moved downward. The downward movementcauses the projections to move downward and compress the spring, thusmoving the disc structure away from the opening. A button coveringallows a user to press downward on the small rod. A closure encirclesthe area of insertion of the button covering on the top of the hollowshaft.

A syringe or other device for injecting cream, sweetener or otherflavorings into the hollow shaft through a hole may be used. Afterinjection, the button covering is inserted into an opening in the top ofthe hollow shaft.

Alternatively, the stirring rod is a hollow rod that may be filled withdesired ingredients and capped at both ends with removable foil andblown out from the top end by the user. It may also be capped with asubstance dissolvable in water freeing its contents during use, orpinched at the ends such that applying pressure with the user's handopens the stirring rod.

In another embodiment, a stirrer is made of for example, but not limitedto, wooden sticks or bamboo shoots or any other suitable material. A bagis attached to the stirrer. Protrusions from the stirrer are created bymolding if the stirrer is plastic, carved out of the wood or bamboo, orotherwise attached to the stirrer shaft. The protrusions hold andsupport the bag. In some preferred embodiments, the protrusions mayenclose and squeeze the bag manually, with a string or some otherdevice.

In an alternative embodiment, the device has extended panels hinged atone end. A bag is attached to the extended panels at an end opposite tothe hinged end. A user exerts force to squeeze the extended panelstogether and thus squeeze the bag. In preferred embodiments, a straw orother device is incorporated for dispensing other flavorings.

Many variations on the basic design are available. The package mayinclude an all in one tea or coffee services by placing the devicewithin a capped cylindrical stand, flexible or rigid, containing orwrapped with a doily, napkin and a folded cup. Flavorings, sweeteners,condiments or creamers may be packaged within the capped cylindricalstand or packaged around it. The device may be sold individually incapped cylindrical stands or in boxed quantities. The cap may bemodified into a container for substances to be dispensed. The presentinvention may be sold with any combination of items or packaging forms.

In other preferred embodiments of a combinedsqueezer/stirrer/dispenser/brewer device, attachments are attached to arigid shaft and movable up and down the shaft. The attachments may havea rounded, conical, spindle or other shape. The attachments areconnected to the shaft at slideable connectors and are held in place byfriction. Bags are loosely attached to the shaft between theattachments. Knobs may be included to prevent the attachments frommoving off the ends of the rigid shaft.

Moving the attachments towards each other along the shaft operates thedevice. Rotating the attachments in opposite directions or rotating oneattachment while the other remains fixed may also perform squeezing ifthe bag is also fixed to the attachments that slide along the shaft. Thedevice is uncompressed by moving the attachments in an oppositedirection.

A ratchet may be included for added force, control, fixation andprecision.

In another embodiment, multiple bag-like receptacles extend from a ringstructure at an upper portion of the shaft to a lower portion of theshaft. Rotating the ring in one direction compresses the receptaclesaround the shaft surfaces. Rotating the ring in the opposite directionuncompresses the receptacles.

Another embodiment utilizes flaps that extend from the top of the shaftand provide another means for avoiding liquid squeezed out during use.Pressure is applied to the flaps and the flaps move and compress abrewing device.

Another embodiment includes panels incorporated in or on the brewing bagof the device. Squeezing the panels together compresses the device.Releasing the panels relaxes the brewing device.

The brewing device may also be comprised of batting or otherspongy/fibrous material between porous mesh material.

Another embodiment is a stirrer and dispenser without the squeezing andbrewing mechanism that is useful for both hot and cold drinks. Thisdevice includes a rigid hollow shaft with plugs on one or both ends ofthe shaft. The plugs may be divided. There may be one or more horizontalor vertical partitions dividing the shaft into compartments forcontaining various items for dispensing. Dispensable items may include,but are not limited to, flavorings for hot or cold beverages, andingredients for adding to water, milk, alcohol, juices, punches, orother base liquid substances to create a drink or to add to a drink. Asan example, alcohol may be dispensed into a beverage, such as coffee ortea. The device may also dispense medications, vitamins, or othersubstances/additives such as nicotine to reduce smoking in public placesor around family at home and to assist in smoking cessation.

In addition to the devices of the present invention being biodegradableand disposable, each of the devices may be formulated to be edible inpart or as a whole.

While the preferred embodiment of the present invention is for brewedbeverages, both disposable and non-disposable variations, biodegradableand non-biodegradable variations of the design may be used for squeezingout fluid, moisture, water or other substances, such as the removal ofwater from the whey of milk, as well as brewing hot drinks.

Toy versions of the above devices using herbal teas, chocolate, driedfruit, or other substitutes can allow children to playfully imitateadults.

These and further and other objects and features of the invention areapparent in the disclosure, which includes the above and ongoing writtenspecification, with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the disposable device in a relaxedposition.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the disposable device with a beveragebag.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the disposable device in a compressedposition.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an angular disposable device.

FIG. 5 shows a packaging device and components of within the packaging.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the device used for removing liquid froman object.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the device with a bag attachment.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the device with a bag attachment in acompressed position.

FIG. 9 shows components of a complete beverage package with acollapsible cup.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the device with round attachmentsmovable up and down the shaft.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 10 in a compressedstate.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the device with spindle attachmentsmovable up and down the shaft.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 12 in a compressedstate.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the device with a porous bag andmovable attachments.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the device with an attachment forholding a brewing device.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the device with an attached ratchet foradded force.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing the operation of the device shownin FIGS. 10-16 in a horizontal position.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing the operation of the device shownin FIGS. 10-16 in a vertical position.

FIG. 19 is an alternative embodiment of the attachments in FIGS. 10-16with a porous disc shape.

FIG. 20 is an alternative embodiment of the attachments in FIGS. 10-16with a cup shape.

FIG. 21 is an alternative embodiment of the attachments in FIGS. 10-16with a wave shape.

FIG. 22 is an alternative embodiment of the attachments in FIGS. 10-16with a bunt cake mold shape.

FIG. 23 is an alternative embodiment of the attachments in FIGS. 10-16with unequal sizes.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the device with multiple bag-likereceptacles extending from an upper portion of the shaft to a lowerportion.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 24 in acompressed state.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the device with a concave discattachment and flaps.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the device with flap formations.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the device with a grooved panel andflaps.

FIG. 29 is a detail of the flap.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a stirrer and dispenser apparatus only.

FIG. 31 is an alternative embodiment with a solid piece of plastic withpores for forming a porous film of plastic material with ribbing.

FIG. 32 shows the embodiment of FIG. 31 with a stirring rod insertedinto the central holes.

FIG. 33 shows the embodiment of FIG. 31 and FIG. 32 in a more spiral orangular configuration to facilitate use.

FIG. 34 shows the embodiment of FIG. 33 being squeezed around thestifling rod due to turning of the top cup-like portion against thefixed position of the bottom cup-like portion.

FIG. 35 shows the embodiment of FIG. 33 with compression force appliedto the top cup-like portion downward against the fixed bottom cup-likeportion.

FIGS. 36 and 37 are detailed cutaway views of the stifling rod.

FIG. 38 shows a method of filling bags with tea leaves or coffeegrounds.

FIG. 39 shows the device tilted horizontally from a vertical positionafter filling with tea leaves or coffee grounds.

FIG. 40 shows a syringe or other device for injecting cream, sweeteneror other flavorings into the hollow shaft through a hole.

FIG. 41 is an alternative embodiment of the stirring rod.

FIG. 42 is an alternative embodiment of the device shown in FIG. 31.

FIG. 43 shows an alternative device with panels in a brewing bagattached to a stifling rod in a relaxed position.

FIG. 44 shows the device in FIG. 43 in a squeezed position.

FIG. 45 is a stirrer made of wooden sticks or bamboo shoots or any othersuitable material with brewing bag attached.

FIG. 46 is an alternative embodiment of a device with extended panelshinged at one end.

FIG. 47 is a device with a bag attached between tongs anywhere along thelength of the tongs.

FIG. 48 shows the device of FIG. 47 in a compressed position.

FIG. 49 shows an alternative device with a bag attached to a stirrer.

FIG. 50 shows an alternative device with the bag attached to moveableattachments by rings inserted into grooves in the attachments.

FIG. 51 shows the device in FIG. 50 in the relaxed and the compressedstate.

FIG. 52 shows modifications of the stifling part of the device and thecap of a container for the device to hold substances.

FIG. 53 shows an embodiment with ribbon-like spines whereby there is norod or shaft throughout the device.

FIG. 54 shows the embodiment of FIG. 53 with the device sitting on aplate with a cover.

FIG. 55 shows a second embodiment of FIG. 53 with ribbon-like spineswhereby there is no rod or shaft throughout the device.

FIG. 56. shows the embodiment of FIG. 55 with the device sitting on aplate with a cover.

FIG. 57 is an alternative embodiment of the device shown in FIGS. 4,31-33, 35, 51, and 52.

FIG. 58 shows the embodiment of FIG. 57 in a compressed state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is a disposable packaging form for brewed, hotdrinks. The invention allows a user to brew the hot drink, squeeze outthe brewed contents, and stir the contents of the hot drink. Each actioncan be performed multiple times before disposal. In some embodiments,the device of the present invention dispenses sweeteners, creamers,flavorings and condiments. The present invention frees the user of theinconvenience of having to collect, wash, or dispose of the stirrers,squeezers and bags of the hot drink individually.

FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The device11 is generally made of but not restricted to biodegradable materials,such as plant material in the grass or bamboo category. It may be madeof plastic or other suitable material. A rigid rod 13 acts as a basemember for the device 11. The rigid rod 13 facilitates stifling of abeverage and may be hollow and/or partially porous. Sweeteners, creamersand/or condiments may be stored in the hollow and/or partially porousrigid rod 13. These sweeteners, creamers and/or condiments may be blownout of the rigid rod 13 by a user or may seep through the rigid rod 13by osmosis. Fibers, nets, a series of spindly attachments, porous sheetmaterial 15 or any combination of these biodegradable material envelopbeverage brewing contents in a porous structure 17 encircling the rigidrod 13. The fibers or sheets 15 may enclose additional bag-likestructures or the brewing contents may be sufficiently contained withthe fibers 15 that no additional containment is needed. Sweeteners,creamers and/or condiments may be dispensed from the porous structure 17or from other locations within or on the device 11 besides the rigid rod13 and porous structure 17.

The fibers or sheets 15 are attached 19 to the rigid rod 13 at the topend 21 of the rigid rod 13. The fibers or sheets 15 may be glued orotherwise attached to the rigid rod 13 at the attachment points 19. Nearthe top end 21 of the rigid rod 13, the fibers or sheets 15 pass through25 a ring or other similar device 23. The fibers or sheets 15 hold thering 23 in place via friction between the fibers or sheets 15 and thering 23. Alternatively, the ring 23 may be held in place via frictionbetween the ring and the rigid rod 13 and the fibers or sheets may bedirectly attached to the ring 23. The fibers or sheets 15 then attach toa bottom end 27 of the rigid rod 13 at attachment points 29.

To operate the device 11, the rigid rod 13 is manually or mechanicallymanipulated to facilitate squeezing as well as relaxation of squeezing.The user rotates the ring 23 in a plane perpendicular to the rigid rod13. Rotation of the ring 23 in one direction increases squeezing, whilerotation in the opposite direction releases tension.

FIG. 2 shows the same device 11 as FIG. 1, but with an additional bag 31containing brewing contents and/or sweeteners, creamers, flavorings,condiments, or related materials. The bag 31 may be free floating withinthe porous structure 17 or the bag 31 may be wrapped around the rigidrod 13. The device 11 operates in the same manner as in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows the device 11 in a compressed position. The ring 23 hasbeen rotated such that the bag 31 is compressed and the desired brewingcontents have been expelled, while undesired contents, such as tealeaves, are retained. The device 11 will be ready for subsequent brewingby releasing the tension on the ring 23 and turning the ring 23 in theopposite direction. This will cause the device 11 to return to a relaxedconfiguration.

FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of the device 33. A central rigid rod 35forms the basis for the device 33. A tube-like ring 37 encircles therigid rod 35 near the top 39 of the rigid rod 35. The tube-like ring 37rotates in a plane perpendicular to the rigid rod 35. Additionally, thetube-like ring 37 moves up and down the rigid rod 35. Fibers, nets, aseries of spindly attachments, porous sheet material 41 or anycombination thereof 41 are attached to a base 43 of the tube-like ring37. The spindles 41 extend downward from the base 43 of the tube-likering 37 and create an enclosure 45 for holding the brewing contentsbetween the spindles 41 and the rigid rod 35. Alternatively, the brewingcontents may be held in a separate bag 51, shown in FIG. 5, within theenclosure 45. The spindles 41 then attach 47 to the rigid rod 35 nearthe base 49 of the rigid rod 35.

To operate this device 33, the tube-like ring 37 is pressed in adownward direction along the rigid rod 35. This causes the spindles 41to be compressed or squeezed in a horizontal plane perpendicular to therigid rod 35. The device 33 will be ready for subsequent brewing byreleasing the tension on the tube-like ring 37 and pulling the tube-likering 37 upward, in the opposite direction. This will cause the device 33to return to a relaxed configuration. This device 33 may also becompressed in a manner similar to that in FIG. 3 by rotating thetube-like ring 37 around the rigid rod 35. The tube-like ring 37 mayalso be pulled further upward to collapse the spindles 41 toward the rodagainst the brewing contents. This compresses the brewing contents.

As shown in FIG. 5, the devices 11, 33 as well as other embodiments ofthe present invention may be enclosed in a package 53 that opens andunfolds in a manner that provides an all in one tea or coffee service.The devices 11, 33 of the present invention may be placed inside thepackage 53. The package consists of a rigid or flexible container 55,with or without a cap 57 for the container 55. The container 55 may alsohave a base 59 for standing the package 53 in a vertical position. Thecontainer 55 is used as a standing receptacle for holding the devices11, 33 for reuse or in preparation for discarding the devices 11, 33 aswell as other items. The container 55 may be made of bamboo or otherbiodegradable or non-biodegradable materials. The container 55 may becylindrical or another shape.

Other items may also be included in the package 53. A disposable cup 61is able to hold hot liquids. The cup 61 may or may not have handles 63.The handles 63 may be folded flush with the outer surface 65 of the cup61. Additionally, the container 55 may serve as the cup for thisembodiment. The container 55 should be able to hold hot liquids. Otheritems that may be included in the package 53 are napkins 67, doilies 69or accessory packages 71. The napkins 67 or doilies may be folded andplaced inside the container 55 or wrapped around the outside of thecontainer 55. The accessory packages 71 may be sweetener, creamer,condiments, flavorings or related materials. All items are preferablymade from but not restricted to biodegradable materials. One, all, orany combination of the items in FIG. 5 may be packaged as individualproducts or in boxed quantities.

The package 53 acts as a stand or holder for containing the device 11,33 for reuse or simply to prevent messes prior to disposal. Part of thepackage 53 may unfold into a cup 61. This only requires the user toobtain hot water. Alternatively, the user may heat water within the cup61. These features would be useful for a variety of applications,including military applications. It would provide sanitary, convenientand biodegradable disposable devices for use in the field with lessenvironmental impact than non-biodegradable materials with morecomponents.

FIG. 6 shows an alternative use of the present invention. While thepreferred embodiment of the present invention is for brewed beverages,both disposable and non-disposable variations of the design may be usedfor squeezing out fluid, moisture, water or other substances, such asthe removal of water from the whey of milk. In this embodiment of thedevice 73, one or both ends 75, 77 of a rigid rod 81 of the device 73may have ring structures 79. These ring structures 79 act in a similarmanner to other embodiments. The rings 79 may be enhanced with motors,wrench or ratchet-like structures for added force, control, fixation andprecision. The rigid shaft 81, around which the rings 79 rotate,facilitates the spindle action that results in the squeezing action ofthe contents of an enclosure 83. The spindle-like structures 85 surrounda net-like structure or a porous sheet-like container. The rings 79 arerotated in a plane perpendicular to the shaft 81. One or both of therings 79 may be rotated. To compress the spindles 85, the rings 79 arerotated in opposite directions. To release tension, the rotations arereversed. A cheese or whey bag 87 is placed in cheesecloth or otherporous bags or sheets and wrapped around the shaft 81 inside of thespindles 85.

FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of the device 89 using a bag 91. The bag 91is a long, cylindrical, porous bag-like structure containing brewingcontents, such as tea leaves or coffee grounds. The bag 91 is wrappedaround a central shaft 93. Bag 91 is attached to ring 95 and shaft 93.FIG. 8 shows the device 89 with a bag 91 twisted around the shaft 93 andsqueezing the contents of the bag 91. The squeezing action is similar tothe squeezing action described for other embodiments. A user grips aring 95 and rotates the ring 95 until the desired squeezing is complete.The process is reversed to release tension.

FIG. 9 shows a package 97 with a collapsible cup 99. The package 97consists of a container 101 with a base 103. The container 101 is freestanding. A cap 105 for the container 101 acts as a stand 107 for thecollapsible cup 99. The cup 99 may be a variety of shapes, but ispreferably a cone shape. The cap 105 may be attached to the container101 so that the mouth 109 of the stand 107 protrudes outward from thecontainer 101 or so that the mouth 109 of the stand 107 is closed withinthe container 101. The cup 99 may be rolled 111 or folded to fit withinthe container 101. The cup 99 may also have handles 113 that foldoutward. In another embodiment the cap may be modified into a bottlelike attachment to contain an alcoholic (i.e. for a hot toddy) or otheradditive for the brewed drink.

FIG. 10 is another preferred embodiment of a combinedsqueezer/stirrer/dispenser/brewer device 115 with rounded attachments117 attached to and movable up and down a shaft 119. The roundedattachments 117 are connected to the shaft 119 at slideable connectors125. The rigid shaft 119 is used for stifling a beverage and holding abag 121 of brewing contents in place. The bag 121 is loosely attached tothe shaft 119 to facilitate movement along the shaft 119. Knobs 123 maybe included to assist the user in brewing the contents. The knobs 123prevent the attachments 117 from moving off the ends of the rigid shaft119.

FIG. 11 shows the device 115 of FIG. 10 in a compressed state. Therounded attachments 117 have been moved towards one another, therebycompressing the contents of the bag 121.

FIG. 12 is another preferred embodiment of a combinedsqueezer/stirrer/dispenser/brewer device 127 with spindle attachments129 movable up and down a shaft 131. The spindle attachments 129 areconnected to the shaft 131 at slideable connectors 133. The rigid shaft131 is used for stifling a beverage and holding a bag 135 of brewingcontents in place. The bag 135 is loosely attached to the shaft 131 tofacilitate movement along the shaft 131. Ends 137 may be included tohold the apparatus 127 upright when not in use and to prevent theslidable connectors 133 and attachments 129 from moving off the shaft131. Ends 137 may also serve as stoppers that may be removed to allowcontents such as flavorings, creamers, sweeteners, condiments, herbs,alcohol, medicinal, and legally dispensable mind altering substancessuch as a nicotine based substance to be released.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the device 127 of FIG. 12 in acompressed state. The spindle attachments 129 have been moved towardsone another, thereby compressing the contents of the bag 135. Thespindles 129 overlap, allowing for increased compression. Spindles 129are designed to intermesh and allows for maximum overlap.

FIG. 14 is another preferred embodiment of a device 139 with a porousbag 141 and movable attachments 143. The attachments 143 are connectedto a shaft 145 at slideable connectors 147. The bag 141 is made of aporous sheet-like material, net or spindles with one or more openings toplace brewing bags into the device 139. This device 139 may bedisposable or non-disposable. Ends 151 may be included to hold theapparatus 139 upright when not in use. Moving the attachments 143towards each other along the shaft 145 performs squeezing. The bag 141may also be fixed to the attachments 143 as well as wrapped looselyaround the rod 145. Rotating the attachments 143 in opposite directionsor rotating one attachment 143 while the other remains fixed may alsoperform squeezing. The bag 141 may be pre-filled with brewing contentsor may have an opening for inserting other brewing devices.

FIG. 15 is another preferred embodiment of a device 153 with a basket155 for holding a brewing device 157. The brewing device 157 may be, butis not limited to tea bags, coffee bags, or other prepackaged contents.Instead of the bag 141 in FIG. 14, a brewing device 157 not incorporatedinto the device 153 is inserted into the basket 155. The basket 155 maybe a clip, elastic band, pocket-like basket or other similar means toattach the brewing device 157 to a rigid shaft 159. FIG. 15 shows apocket-like basket 155 attached to the rigid shaft 159. Thisconfiguration allows the basket 155 to move along the shaft 159.Alternatively, the basket 155 may be placed against one of the roundedattachments 161. An opening 167 allows a user to insert a brewing device157 or loose brewing contents composed by the user to suit individualtaste. The rounded attachments 161 are connected to the shaft 159 byconnectors 163. The connectors 163 are held in place by friction, butare capable of moving up and down the shaft 159. The rounded attachments161 may fan out from their tubular fittings 163 into disc-like orconical structures that face each other toward the center of the shaft159. Movement of one attachment 161 against another facilitatessqueezing of the brewing device 157 within the basket 155. Moving oneattachment 161 away from the other relaxes the compression and allowsfor reuse of the basket 155. Ends 165 prevent the attachments 161 fromfalling off the ends of the shaft 159.

FIG. 16 shows a device 169 with an attached ratchet 171 for added force.This device 169 may be disposable or non-disposable. An attached motor,wrench or ratchet-like structure adds force, control, fixation andprecision. This embodiment is useful for squeezing fluid, moisture,water or other substances out of a material, such as the removal ofwater from the whey of milk. A shaft 173 supports the contents 175 thatare being squeezed. Rounded attachments 177 hold the contents 175 andapply force. The ratchet 171 includes a handle 179, a threaded shaft181, two connector halves 183 and grippers 185 for holding the slidabletubes 178 connected to the attachments 177 and that is fixed to theshaft 173 by friction. As the ratchet 171 is tightened, the grippers 185force the slidable tubes 178 connected to the attachments 177 towardseach other, compressing the contents 175.

FIG. 17 shows the operation of the device 263 similar to those shown inFIGS. 10-16. Slidable attachments 265 are pushed towards one anotheralong a central shaft 267. The attachments 265 compress a brewing bag269 and squeeze fluid 271 into a receptacle 273. FIG. 17 shows ahorizontal configuration with two movable attachments 265. Stops 275 atthe ends of the shaft 267 prevent the attachments 265 from falling offthe shaft 267. Alternatively, the user may hold one attachment 265 withone hand and the shaft 267 with the other hand. The user then pushes theattachment 265 along the shaft, either towards or away from the handholding the shaft 267.

FIG. 18 shows the operation of the device 263 shown in FIG. 17 used in avertical or slightly tilted position. Here, the user holds the top endof the shaft 267 with one hand and a movable attachment 277 in theopposite hand. The user pushes the movable attachment 277 towards astationary attachment 279 to compress the brewing bag 269.

FIGS. 19-23 shows various shapes and configurations of the attachments.Any shape attachment may be used for any embodiment of the presentinvention. FIG. 19 shows an attachment 187 with a porous disc shape.FIG. 20 shows an attachment 189 with a cup shape. FIG. 21 shows anattachment 191 with a wave shape. FIG. 22 shows an attachment 193 with abunt cake mold shape. FIG. 23 shows a larger attachment 195 and asmaller attachment 197 that work together.

FIG. 24 is another preferred embodiment of a device 199 with multiplebag-like receptacles 201 extending from a ring structure 211 at an upperportion 203 of the shaft 205 to a lower portion 207 of the shaft 205.The receptacles 201 are connected to the ring structure 211 byconnectors 213. The receptacles 201 are connected to the lower portionof the shaft 205 by connectors 209. The ring structure 211 is attachedto the shaft 205 by friction or other means. Rotating the ring 211 inone direction, compresses the receptacles 201 around the shaft 205surfaces. FIG. 25 shows the receptacles 201 in a compressed state.Rotating the ring 211 in the opposite direction uncompresses thereceptacles 201.

FIG. 26 is another preferred embodiment showing a device 215 with anelongated concave disc attachment 217 and flaps 219. The concave discattachment 217 has an elongated neck 221 and a bell 223. The attachment217 may or may not have holes. The elongated neck 221 allows a user toavoid contact with liquids squeezed out of a brewing bag 225 during use.The flaps 219 extend from the bell 223 and provide another means foravoiding liquid squeezed out during use. A smaller concave disc-likeattachment 227 is attached to a rigid shaft 229 at a connector 231, andmay or may not have holes. The smaller attachment 227 also helps theuser to avoid contact with hot liquids as it forces the contents outbeneath the larger attachment that acts as a shield. The shaft 229 mayhave stops 233 at the top and/or bottom ends to prevent the attachments217, 227 from falling off the shaft 229.

FIG. 27 is another preferred embodiment of a device 235 with flaps 237.A brewing device 239 is attached to a rigid shaft 241. A ring structure243 holds the two or more flaps 237. The user pushes the flaps 237toward the shaft 241 to squeeze liquid out of the brewing device 239.The flaps 237 may have more than one segment and are somewhat rigid.

FIG. 28 is another preferred embodiment of a device 245 with flaps 247.A brewing device 249 is attached to a rigid shaft 251. A grooved panel253 is attached to the rigid shaft 251. Grooves 255 allow the flaps 247to slide into place. FIG. 29 is a detail of the flap 247. The flap 247includes a body 257, a neck 259, and a head 261. The head 261 of theflap 247 is slid into a groove 255 until the neck 259 is in the sameplane as the panel 253. The flap 247 is then rotated ninety degrees andslid away from the shaft 251, locking the flap 247 onto the panel 253.Force is applied to the head 261 away from the shaft 251 to move thebody 257 towards the brewing device 249. Liquids are squeezed from thebrewing device 249. Pressure is relaxed and the brewing device 249 maybe reused.

FIG. 30 is another preferred embodiment of a stirrer and dispenser 281that is useful for both hot and cold drinks. This device 281 includes arigid hollow shaft 283 with plugs 285 on one or both ends of the shaft283. The plugs 285 may be divided 287. There may be one or morehorizontal partitions 289 dividing the shaft 283 into compartments forcontaining various items for dispensing. There may also be verticalpartitions 291. Dispensable items may include, but are not limited to,flavorings for hot or cold beverages, and ingredients for adding towater, milk, alcohol, juices, punches, or other base liquid substancesto create a drink or to add to a drink. As an example, alcohol may bedispensed into a beverage, such as coffee or tea. The dispensed itemsmay be flavorings, sweeteners, creamers, condiments, spices, herbs,medicinal substances, vitamins, minerals, or other legally mind alteringsubstances, such as nicotine-based substances. The use of nicotine-basedsubstances allows for an alternative oral administration of nicotine forusers to quit smoking or prevent the spread of secondhand smoke in thehome and in public. The use of this device for medicinal substances mayalso increase the chances of medicinal compliance. This device may beproduced in non-disposable forms as well as disposable forms. Thisembodiment may be used alone or as part of the other embodiments of thisinvention that include the ability to act as squeezers and brewers aswell.

In addition to the devices of the present invention being biodegradableand disposable, each of the devices may be formulated to be edible inpart or as a whole.

FIG. 31 is an alternative embodiment 301 with a solid piece of plastic303 with pores 305 for forming a porous film of plastic material withribbing 307. The ribbing 307 adds structure and control. The device 301is capped with ribbed and thickened cup-like portions 309, 311 that fanout, contract and have some rigidity during use. The cup-like portions309, 311 have central holes 313 for placement of a stirring rod 317. Thetop cup-like portion 309 is not porous. The bottom cup-like portion 311has larger holes 315 than the holes 305 on the porous film 303. Theporous film 303 holds tea leaves or coffee grounds and keeps dust insidethe porous film 303. Water is allowed to penetrate and flow through theporous film 303.

FIG. 32 shows the embodiment of FIG. 31 with a stirring rod 317 insertedinto the central holes 313. Heat or another device fixes the bottom 319of the bottom cup-like portion 311 onto the stifling rod 317. Theribbing 307 supports the device 301 in a more distended position.

FIG. 33 shows the embodiment of FIG. 31 and FIG. 32 in a more spiral orangular configuration to facilitate use.

FIG. 34 shows the embodiment of FIG. 33 being squeezed around thestifling rod 317 due to turning of the top cup-like portion 309 againstthe fixed position of the bottom cup-like portion 311. Twisting isfacilitated by angular structures of the ribbing 307 and fan likeflexible cups 309, 311.

FIG. 35 shows the embodiment of FIG. 33 with compression force 321applied to the to cup-like portion 309 downward against the fixed bottomcup-like portion 311. The porous film 303 central section fits withinthe cup-like portions 309, 311. A greater overall thickness of thecup-like portions 309, 311 helps facilitate the porous film 303 tocompress into the cup-like portions 309, 311.

FIGS. 36 and 37 are detailed cutaway views of the stifling rod 317. Ahollow shaft 323 may contain creamer, sweetener, or other flavorings. Asmall rod 325 is located inside the hollow shaft 323. Projections 327from the small rod 325 depress a spring 329 when they are presseddownward. The spring 329 pushes up on and pulls a disc structure 331upward to close an opening 333. The disc structure 331 may have aweighted protrusion for adding weight to the overall device to keep thebuoyant bag 303 from floating. The opening 333 allows contents of thehollow shaft 323 to dispense when the small rod 325 is moved downward.The downward movement causes the projections 327 to move downward andcompress the spring 329, thus moving the disc structure 331 away fromthe opening 333. A button covering 335 allows a user to press downwardon the small rod 325. A closure 337 encircles the area of insertion ofthe button covering 335 on the top of the hollow shaft 323.

FIG. 38 shows a method of filling bags 303 with tea leaves or coffeegrounds 339. A shoot 341 flows the tea leaves or coffee grounds into thebags 303 via a funnel 343. A plug and holding device 345 prevents tealeaves or coffee grounds from pouring out of the bottom opening 313.

FIG. 39 shows the device 301 tilted horizontally from a verticalposition after filling with tea leaves or coffee grounds 339. The tealeaves or coffee grounds 339 move to one side of the bag 303. This freesthe holes 313 in the cup-like portions 309, 311 for insertion of thestifling rod 317 away from the tea leaves or coffee grounds 339. As thehollow shaft 323 is inserted into the opening 313 on the top cup-likeportion 309, the small rod 325, projections 327, spring 329 and discstructure 331 are inserted into the opening 313 in the bottom cup-likeportion 311 and the two parts are joined together.

FIG. 40 shows a syringe or other device 347 for injecting cream,sweetener or other flavorings into the hollow shaft 323 through a hole349. After injection, the button covering 335 is inserted into anopening 351 in the top 353 of the hollow shaft 323.

FIG. 41 is an alternative embodiment of the stirring rod 317. Thestirring rod 317 is a hollow rod 355 that may be filled with desiredingredients and capped at both ends 357, 359 with removable foil 361 andblown out from the top end 357 by the user. A simple peel off method forthe foil 361 is used. Likewise, the ends may be capped by a substancethat will dissolve in water while in use, or be sealed by a pinchclosure that can be popped open by pressure. A number of methods may beapplied for sealing and opening the stifling rod to release itscontents. The stirring rod itself may operate like a syringe to dispensecontents.

FIG. 42 is an alternative embodiment of the device 301 shown in FIG. 31.A solid piece of plastic includes a porous plastic film 363 forming acompletely enclosed structure wrapped around the stifling rod 317. Theporous plastic film 363 is not open to holes in its top and bottom. Thefilm 363 is attached to the thickened cups 365, 367 at the top andbottom that have holes 369 through which the rod 317 is inserted andfixed at the bottom end. Tea leaves or coffee grounds are poured throughan opening 371 on the side that is then heat sealed or sealed with someother device, such as a zipper. This configuration prevents spillage ofthe tea leaves or coffee grounds.

FIG. 43 shows a device 373 in a relaxed position. A stirrer 375 is a rodor a straw on which a bag 377 is attached. Pad like devices 379 or othersimilar devices are attached to, enclosed within or part of the fabricof the bag 377. The pad like devices 379 are placed in opposingpositions with respect to one another. Protrusions, raised or indentedsurfaces 381 are provided for a user's fingers. Force 383 is exerted bya user's fingers on the protrusions 381 to squeeze the device 373.

FIG. 44 shows a device 373 in a squeezed position.

FIG. 45 is a stirrer 385 made of for example, but not limited to, woodensticks or bamboo shoots or any other suitable material. A bag 391 isattached to the stirrer 385. Protrusions 387 from the stirrer 385 arecreated by molding if the stirrer 385 is plastic, carved out of the woodor bamboo, or otherwise attached to the stirrer shaft 389. Theprotrusions 387 hold and support the bag 391. In some preferredembodiments, the protrusions 387 may enclose and squeeze the bag 391manually, with a string or some other device.

FIG. 46 is an alternative embodiment of a device 393 with extendedpanels 395 hinged at one end 401. A bag 399 is attached to the extendedpanels 395 at ends 397 opposite to the hinged end 401. A user exertsforce 403 to squeeze the extended panels 395 together and thus squeezethe bag 399. In preferred embodiments, a straw or other device 405 isincorporated for dispensing other flavorings.

FIG. 47 is a device 407 with a bag 409 attached between tongs 411anywhere along the length of the tongs 411. Compressing the tongs 411squeezes the bag 409. The bag 409 may be held in place by clasps 413 atbottom ends 415 of the tongs 411. The bag 409 may come in a variety offormats, including, but not limited to, a quilted format.

FIG. 48 shows the device 407 of FIG. 47 in a compressed position.

FIG. 49 shows an alternative device 417. A bag 419 is attached to astirrer 421. The bag 419 may be vacuum-sealed. Tea leaves or coffeegrounds 423 are enclosed within the bag 419. The bag 419 is made ofbatting type or fibrous material 425 lined on both sides by finelyporous mesh 427 to facilitate percolation of hot water while maintainingcontainment of the materials 423.

FIG. 50 shows an alternative device 429 with brewing bag 431 fitted withrings 439 that fit into grooves 441 in moveable attachments 433 and 435.This fixation allows for squeezing of the brewing bag 431 by rotation ofthe moveable attachments in opposite directions with respect to oneanother or by rotation of the top attachment while the bottom attachmentremains fixed. This rotation is in a plane perpendicular to a stirringrod 437. The brewing bag may also be squeezed by moving the attachments433 and 435 towards one another along the stifling rod 437 or if oneattachment 435 is fixed, by moving attachment 433 toward attachment 435.In this design the top attachment 433 is a larger funnel like shape withno holes to protect the user's hands from liquids. The bottom attachment435 is a similar attachment with holes and is smaller than the topattachment 433. The brewing bag 431 may also be attached to movableattachments 433 and 435 by sewing, gluing, stapling, or other means.

FIG. 51 shows the device 429 of FIG. 50 in a relaxed state 450 and acompressed state 456. The compressed state 456 is achieved by twistingthe bag 431 around the stirring rod 437 by rotating the top attachment433 in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the stifling rod 437. Thebag 431 is twisted against a fixed attachment 435 or in the oppositedirection of rotation of the bottom attachment 435. This motion squeezesbrewed contents from the bag 431 into a cup 458. The bag 431 may also becompressed by sliding the attachments 433, 435 towards one another alongthe stifling rod 437 or by sliding the top attachment 433 down thestirring rod 437 toward the bottom attachment 435.

FIG. 52 shows a modification 460 of the device shown in FIGS. 50 and 51where the stirrer 437 is hollow and ballooned out at a top location 465of the stirrer 437 to hold larger amounts of a desired substance. Aremovable base cap 467 releases desired substances from the stirrer 437into a brewed drink. The removable base cap 467 may be weighted to causethe buoyant bag device 460 to sink into the liquid. A container 470 mayhold the device 460 and comes with cap 471 that may be a bottle likecontainer 475 with a cap 476 for holding ingredients to add to thebrewed drinks.

FIG. 53 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention withribbon-like spines 513 whereby there is no rod or shaft throughout thedevice 500. Rather, the spines 513 themselves, while flexible, are stiffenough to serve the purpose of the rod to work as a brewer, stirrer, andholder for the tea bag 501. The tea bag 501 contains whole tea leaves502. The tea bag can be a porous collapsible soft plastic that has partsconfigured to snap together and hold tea. Alternatively, the tea bag hasa donut hole through a solidly enclosed pyramidal shape, wherein the teabag has a sealable slit to allow a customer to fill their own tea bag.One mechanical means to seal the slit is a zipper, for example.

The flexible ribbon-like spines 3 hold the tea bag 501 in place andsqueeze it. Spines 503, while flexible, are resilient and have a memoryfor its shape and return to its original form after deformation. Thespines 503 additionally have the strength to hold its weight andattached appendages.

Spines 503 are positioned toward the lower end of the device 500 so thatthe tea bag 501 can be located further inside a cup. Bottom appendage505 from which ribbon-like spines 503 extend are connected to longer topappendage 506. Spines 503 that extend from bottom appendage 505 areconnected to near the lower end of the longer top appendage 506. Theupper end of longer top appendage 506 has a knob 507 for grasping andtwisting for axial rotation of one or both of the appendages.

The spines 503 can be extensions of the same material as bottomappendage 505 and longer top appendage 506 formed as one piece.Alternatively, the spines 503 can have extensions made from a different,more flexible material with ends that form tubes that slide on bottomappendage 505 and longer top appendage 506.

Note that the ribbon like spines can also be substituted with fabric,collapsible soft porous plastic, and metallic wires and can be any shapethat performs like the ribbon like spines. The entire device and by madefrom any single or combination of materials including plastic, metallic,rubber, glass, or plant based material.

Tripod-like extensions 509 connect bottom appendage 505 to longer topappendage 506. The extensions 509 are rigid and will not deform when theaction to deform the spines 503 occurs. The extensions can be made froma more rigid material than spines, or made more rigid due to thethickness of the same material. Here, this non-limiting embodiment showsextensions 509 that enclose, encase, or surround spines 503 and part ofthe longer top appendage 506.

Ring 508 connects tripod-like extensions 509 that extend from bottomappendage 505 to allow a customer to hold bottom appendage 505 fixed inplace when tope appendage 506 is twisted, thereby causing ribbon-likespines 503 to collapse around tea bag 501. This configuration allows thecustomer to manipulate the bottom appendage 505 without getting theirhands wet.

Arrow 504 shows that the tea bag 501 will be placed within spines 503that can be spread apart to create an opening. The spines 503 close theopening when released due to the memory of its original shape. Arrow 511shows that the top is twisted to squeeze the tea bag 501 while the ring508 and extensions 509 are held in place.

Modified bottom 510 allows the entire device to be free standing,wherein the device 500 is shown set on dish 512. The device can befurther stabilized by indentations 513 in which the device 500 is set onplate or dish 512.

FIG. 54 shows the entire device 500 sitting on its plate with a cover519.

FIG. 55 shows an alternative embodiment of FIG. 53. Here, shortappendage 514 connects spines 503, which may have a knob for twisting orgrasping. Longer appendage 515 is also connected to spines 503, and mayhave a knob for twisting or grasping. Arrows 511,517 show that appendage515 is to be twisted against a held position or twisted in the oppositedirection of shorter appendage 514. Conversely, arrows 511,517 show thatappendage 514 is to be twisted against a held position or twisted in theopposite direction of shorter appendage 515. Dish 518 can hold thedevice.

FIG. 56 shows the device 500 sitting on the plate or dish 518 with acover 519. Other kinds of holders can be created, including holders thatare positioned vertically or at any angle.

FIG. 57 shows an alternative embodiment from the device shown in FIGS.4, 31-33, 35, 51, and 52, wherein the device is without the rod forslidable cups. Here, collapsible porous compartment 520 holds its shapeby memory after deformation capable of supporting the structure of thedevice. This area can be composed of ribbon-like spines to hold a teabag that is enclosed except for a re-sealable slit in which to placewhole loose tea leaves.

The top cup-like structure 521 is connected to the bottom cup-likestructure 522 by spines 503. An area 523 for a slit that can be closedto hold whole loose tea leaves or where ribbon-like spines 503 can bespread open for placement of a tea bag is provided. Spines 503 due tomemory of its shape. A top appendage 524 is attached to an outer surfaceof the top cup-like structure 521, wherein a knob 525 is provided on topappendage for grasping.

On the surface opposite the collapsible porous compartment, the bottomcup-like structure 522 has a hole 526 in the bottom that does not go allthe way through the structure, but is a raised or recessed surface thatserves as an area wherein a bump on dish 527 is inserted so as to steadythe device on the dish 527. Here, the device is set on the dish 527 whennot in use and a support during use, wherein the dish 527 has a spout tocontrol drainage of liquid during use. A knob 528 provided on the plateor dish 527 complements and fits into the surface of recess or hole ofbottom cup 522 to both steady the device in free standing position andto help grasp the device during action such that customers can keeptheir hands dry. Handle 29 is provided to hold the dish 527 and pressbottom cup-like structure 522 up against top cup-like structure 521, andthereby squeeze out the brewed contents. The device has a cover 530 whennot in use.

FIG. 58 shows the embodiment of FIG. 57 in a compressed state. Note thatboth compressing and twisting actions discussed and shown in previousfigures such as FIG. 34, for example, also apply to this embodiment.Here, liquid 531 is shown draining from squeezed tea leaves through thespout from the dish 527. Arrow 533 shows the action of pushing topcup-like structure 521 toward bottom cup-like structure, wherein thecollapsible porous compartment 20 the tea leaves 502 held in the tea bag501 is compressed. Arrow 34 shows the action of pushing the bottomcup-like structure 522 toward the top cup-like structure 521 using dish527 (however, the customer may also choose to directly push the bottomcup-like structure with their hand and not use the dish).

While the invention has been described with reference to specificembodiments, modifications and variations of the invention may beconstructed without departing from the scope of the invention.

I claim:
 1. A beverage apparatus comprising: a bottom appendage; a topappendage connected to the bottom appendage by a plurality of spines,wherein the spines are connected to a lower end of the top appendage;wherein the spines have a resilient shape that returns after deformationby axial rotation, wherein the spines are configured to hold and squeezea tea bag by axial rotation of the top appendage or bottom appendage;and wherein the top appendage is longer than the bottom appendage. 2.The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising tripod extensions connectedto the bottom appendage, wherein the tripod extensions enclose orsurround the spines.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein a ringconnects the tripod extensions that extend from the bottom appendage. 4.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the top appendage has a knob on anupper end of the top appendage.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thedevice is free standing and has a modified bottom formed by the tripodextensions.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising acollapsible porous compartment that connects the top appendage and thebottom appendage, wherein the top appendage and the bottom appendage arecup structures.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the cup structureof the bottom appendage has a hole on a surface opposite the collapsibleporous compartment, wherein the hole has a recessed surface that doesnot go all the way through the cup structure.
 8. The apparatus of claim1, wherein the tea bag is a porous collapsible soft plastic configuredto snap together and hold tea.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thetea bag is a donut hole through a solidly enclosed pyramidal shape,wherein the tea bag has a sealable slit.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the sealable slit is a zipper.